First, we might want to start off with why would you want to make your own deodorant? Simply grab the store bought deodorant you are using now and read the ingredients! If you are seeing aluminum, parabens (preservatives), phthalates, or the word fragrance...it's time to ditch and switch or consider making your own! If you do a google search with the words 'dangers of' before any of those ingredients, you will want to opt for an alternative. Plus making your own is cheaper, healthier and more fun!
First, it's important to realize that the smell actually doesn't come from your sweat but rather when the bacteria on the skin break it down. Everyone has their own individual microbiome on the skin. Certain foods can make you sweat more and affect the bacteria on your skin causing more odor. Cutting down on an overabundance of processed, sugary, greasy foods, and meat, can make a diiference. You may need to play around with ingredients and the essential oils to get the right odor control for your body.
Also, traditional antiperspirants plug sweat glands...and that's not a good idea! Sweating is one of the ways your body releases toxins, and you don't want to impede that. Sweating also helps control body temperature.
Natural deodorants work to kill the bacteria that give off the unpleasant odor, not to stop you from sweating. In the beginning, your body may go thru a transition period as it adjusts away from chemical laden products. You may sweat more at first, or you might actually stink more. Give it a good month to rebalance your 'ecosystem'. You can apply the homemade deodorant more often for the first month or make a roll on for quick odor control during the day.
You can make a spray or a salve. I have done both and find them both effective, but I prefer the salve, as I think it lasts longer. With a spray, I was having to use it twice a day and with the salve, I only need to apply once per day. I live in a hot climate and spend a good portion of the day outside in the barn.
Ingredients you will need for a DIY Deodorant Spray:
Vodka or Everclear. I find Everclear works better as it's a higher proof alcohol (higher proof over 150=more antibacterial action) but I have also used the cheapest vodka I could find and been satisfied. I just needed to reapply during the day.
Essential Oils. For the most part, you can use what smells better to you or your favorite. Remember, everyones microbiome is different and so some essential oils may work better for you than others. Its fun to experiment or rotate aromas and see what you like better and what works best for you. There are some essential oils that have been studied for odor control and may be more effective, but in my experience, the difference is slight and you can simply reapply if more odor control is needed, so use what ya like. What is important is quality! Not all essential oils are created equally. Be sure you are using a premium essential oil. I like Young Living™ and you can read about their Seed To Seal™ guarantee HERE
Fractionated Coconut Oil. This is coconut oil processed to stay liquid. It's an optional ingredient, but I thought that my deodorant lasted longer with the addition of this. The oil will stay on your skin longer than with just the alcohol. I also have sensitive skin and found that adding this kept the mix from burning if I used after shaving. Don't worry, if you leave it out and use after shaving, it really only burns for a few seconds and is very tolerable.You could also simply avoid using right after you shave.
Magnesium Oil. Another optional ingredient, but a good one to have. You can actually use plain magnesium oil as a stand alone deodorant. I didn't think it worked as well as adding the essential oils and vodka when I tried it, but I like the protection I got when I added it in as an addition. Again, everyone is different, make the basic recipe, try it, and if you need more odor control, add the additional ingredients. Also I have found that people with sensitive skin can be easily irritated by magnesium oil.
DIY Deodorant Spray Recipe:
glass spray bottle or high quality PET or HDPE plastic spray bottle, 4 oz. size works well, grab them on Amazon
3 oz. vodka or everclear
30 drops essential oils
If more odor control needed, consider adding 1 TBS Fractionated Coconut Oil
OR
consider adding 1 TBS Magnesium Oil...keep in mind this can be a skin irritant...
Add all ingredients Into the spray bottle and shake well before each use.
Ingredients you will need for the DIY Deodorant Salve....
Coconut Oil. Creates a nice layer on the skin for long lasting odor control. Good for sensitive skin, adds a nice aroma, inexpensive, and rumored to be antibacterial itself.
Shea Butter. You will see many recipes for just coconut oil. I found coconut oil to be too liquid in summer and too hard in winter. With the addition of the shea butter, you get a nice cream consistency that stays year round and makes for easy application.
10 drops essential oil. Again some may work better than others, but I believe the difference is minimal. Use what ya like, and experiment. I find myself rotating between Lemongrass, Ylang Ylang, or Purification™ which is a fabulous blend from Young Living.
Baking Soda. Helps to neutralize odor. I have made this recipe without and find I need the extra odor control. This is an ingredient that many people can be sensitive to. Using just 1 TBS seems to do the trick for me without iritation. I have a friend who uses 2 TBS, and you will see that amount listed commonly in other recipes. I recommend starting with 1 and see how it works for you.
Arrowroot Powder. This is your drying agent, as it helps to absorb moisture. It's not really a common ingredient (altho you can usually find it in your health food stores baking aisle or on amazon), so I leave it out and find I don't really need it. You can also substitute cornstarch instead which is a more common ingredient you might have in your pantry.
DIY Deodorant Cream Recipe:
empty and clean container, I like to recycle used jelly jars or hand salve jars
2 TBS Coconut Oil
2 TBS Shea Butter
10 drops essential oil
Consider adding 1 TBS Baking Soda at a time for more odor control
AND/OR
1 TBS Arrowroot Powder or Corn Starch at a time for more moisture control
Combine the coconut oil and shea butter in a bowl and stir until mixed well and a creamy consistency. Then stir in the essential oils and dry ingredients if using. Scoop into your storage container. Swipe a small amount on your finger and wipe into your armpits.
I haven't had any trouble with this staining my clothes. In fact, when I quit using an aluminum based deodorant, I quit making yellow stains on my clothes. However, I have heard a few people report it added an oily residue to their clothing. I would make sure you are not using too much and wait a few minutes after application before getting dressed.
Remember, how long and how well the natural deodorant works, really does depend on your activity level, sweat output and microbiome..Stick with it and experiment! It may take you a month or so to transition over to a natural deodorant. Try different essential oil combos, or add the optional ingredients. If you need some extra odor control in the meantime, make a roll on and apply as needed throughout the day. Simply purchase a 10 ml roller bottle (amazon-lol). Add 10 drops essential oil, then fill the remainder of the bottle up with fractionated coconut oil. For a step by step guide to making a roller bottle with a few of my favorite essential oil recipes, click HERE
To get essential oil recipes, tips, tricks and hacks delivered straight to your inbox, click HERE
Summer is on its way-Yay!! But after a winter in socks and living in the desert, my feet aren't flip-flop worthy.... Thank goodness it's so easy to make your own scrubs that will help exfoliate and moisturize. They're much cheaper than what you can buy and you can customize the aroma to your liking, and oftentimes it's much healthier for you as you can make your own without artificial fragrances, dyes, and petroleum products.
Making your own foot scrub is super easy, you really don't even need a recipe. All you need is an exfoliator and a moisturizer.
A basic recipe that works well is 2 parts exfoliator and 1 part moisturizer. Then add around 5 drops essential oil for recipes up to 4 ounces.
An exfoliator is an ingredient that is used to remove dead and dry skin and that allows the moisturizer to soak in better. Removing dead skin and dirt from the surface of the skin cleans the skin, gives it a radiant look, and a healthy glow. It also reveals newer healthier skin and speeds up the renewal process. A moisturizer is used to help soften, soothe and condition the skin. Of course, I always add essential oils for an aroma boost and many essential oils add extra benefits for the skin.
The best exfoliator for feet is salt. It has a courser granule than most other exfoliators and foot skin is tougher skin that the rest of the body. You can use plain salt or get as fancy as ya like. Himalayan salt adds a nice pink color If you are gift giving. Compounds in Epsom salt may add additional benefits.
If you have any cuts, wounds, or scrapes on your feet, or cracked heels, use sugar. It has a smaller granule and will not sting like salt will. It's also better for sensitive skin due to the granule size.
I've seen some scrub recipes using coffee grinds and have tried a few myself. Coffee can add a great aroma and contains compounds that may benefit skin. Coffee contains caffeic acid which is an antioxidant and caffeine can stimulate blood flow, which may increase circulation. However, the granule is very fine so if using coffee grinds you'll want to mix it with salt or sugar to get enough exfoliation. Be careful where you use your scrub, as the grinds don't dissolve like sugar or salt will, and you don't want to create a plumbing issue. Use equal parts coffee grounds to salt. An easy recipe is 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon coffee grinds, and 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Consider a coffee filter over your drain.
If your feet are really dry and itchy, you can use oatmeal as part of the exfoliator. Mix equal parts with salt or sugar, as oatmeal by itself doesn't exfoliate as well as salt or sugar.
My two favorite moisturizers are olive oil and coconut oil. You probably already have these oils (and salt and sugar too) so you don't need to purchase anything else. Both of these oils are good for dry, cracked heels. You can use any carrier oil that you like as your moisturizer, so feel free to experiment. I also have used and like:
-Fractionated Coconut Oil-Liquid coconut oil without the aroma.It's easier to mix, but not as moisturizing.
-Jojoba Oil-Has a long shelf life if you are making gifts. It's known as a very effective and soothing moisturizer. It is similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin, so it absorbs well, but is a more expensive carrier oil to purchase.
-Castor oil-A very thick carrier oil that is known as a humectant, making it good for very dry skin. I find it has an aroma that I'm not that fond of.
-Vitamin E-Extends the shelf life of your recipe if making in bulk or gift giving, and adds antioxidants.
Adding essential oils can add additional benefits to your foot scrub and will add a wonderful aroma as well. My favorite is Peppermint essential oil which is great for tired feet. Lavender essential oil can help relaxation for a nighttime scrub. Lemon essential oil is wonderful for dirty feet. Myrrh essential oil is my go to for dry, chapped, and cracked heels. Consider Tea Tree essential oil if you have areas of concern on your feet or toenails. If you are using sugar, consider vanilla oleoresin for a great aroma and often I will add Peppermint and Vanilla together...yum!!
It's generally recommended to use a foot scrub once to twice per week. If your feet are really dry and callused, soaking first in warm water for 10 minutes can be helpful. Also using the scrub right before bedtime and then wearing socks will help to lock in moisture.
If you are not getting the desired results with the foot scrub, consider using a pumice stone in addition to the foot scrub.
My basic favorite easy recipe:
2 TBS Salt
1 TBS Coconut Oil
3 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
My basic favorite easy sensitive skin recipe:
2 TBS Brown Sugar
1 TBS Coconut Oil
3 Drops Vanilla Oleoresin
1 Drop Myrrh Essential Oil
My basic favorite easy coffee grind recipe:
1 TBS Coffee Grinds
1 TBS Sugar
1 TBS Coconut Oil
2 Drops Vanilla Oleoresin
1 Drop Cinnamon Essential Oil
My basic favorite easy oatmeal recipe:
1 TBS Oatmeal (dry)
1 TBS Sugar
1 TBS Coconut Oil
3 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
For more essential oil recipes, tips, and hacks that make using essential oils easy, sign up for 'The Weekly Oiler' HERE
Did you know you need to exfoliate your lips? If you lick your lips and you don't get that velvety feel, it's time to exfoliate. Exfoliate simply means removal of the oldest dead skin of the outermost surface.
Exfoliating your lips will leave them softer, smoother and better able to absorb moisturizing agents and lip balm.
Simply
- Mix a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of olive oil in the palm of your hand, making a paste.
- Gently rub into your lips and leave on 1 minute.
- Gently wipe off with a damp cloth and apply an all natural lip balm
If you want to get fancy and have your lip scrub taste amazing, you can make a larger batch ahead of time using a TBS of olive oil and a TBS of sugar, and add a drop of essential oil. Easy adds would be a drop of Peppermint or Cinnamon.
Once to twice per week of exfoliation is all you need.
These fall inspired recipes below are a few of my faves. The honey or pumpkin gives an extra boost of flavor and moisturization.
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 TBS Honey
4 TBS Sugar
1 drop Orange essential oil
1 drop Cinnamon
1 drop Clove
1 drop Nutmeg
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 TBS Pumpkin puree
4 TBS Sugar
2 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
1 drop Cinnamon
1 drop Clove
1 drop Nutmeg
(Due to the pumpkin puree, store this one in the fridge)
This 'Candy Cane' recipe is perfect for gift giving:
Grab some 2 ounce jars on Amazon, then add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl (stainless steel, glass, or ceramic), mix well, and spoon into your jar. Decorate your jar with some ribbon and apply a label. (Grab my free printable labels HERE-simply download, print out on a regular sheet of paper, then cut out and tape to the jar)
2 TBS Fractionated Coconut Oil
4 TBS Sugar
2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
2 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
For more essential oil DIY gift giving ideas, click HERE
Do you love making things? If DIY is your thing, click HERE for an easy DIY recipe from personal care to home care delivered right to your in-box every week.
